Taiwan included in US Visa-Wavier Program

US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced today that Taiwan will become the 37th country to be included in the US Visa Wavier Program (VWP). Beginning November 1, 2012, citizens of Taiwan holding passport with an ICAO-compliant chip and a National ID Card number 國民身分證字號 will be able to travel to the US without a visa (application to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization required) and stay up to 90 days. Purposes other than tourism and short visit will still require the application of an appropriate US visa. US citizens can already travel to Taiwan without applying for a visa and stay for up to 30 days. The government of Taiwan is reciprocating to grant US citizens visa-free stay for up to 90 days, effective November 1, 2012. For more information, please visit the American Institute in Taiwan美國在台協會.